Conservative interim leader Rona Ambrose said she was "saddened" to hear the news.

“Rob Ford was a tireless fighter for the taxpayer and a true advocate for the people he represented," she said.

She said Ford was known for personally engaging with his constituents, and offered her deepest condolences to the Ford family.

"Despite the challenges he fought and the controversies he faced, it is my sincere hope that Canadians will remember Rob Ford for his enduring love for his community and country, and his dedication to his constituents.”

Toronto Mayor John Tory said in a statement the city is "reeling with this news."

"I have known Rob Ford for many years. He was a man who spoke his mind and who ran for office because of the deeply felt convictions that he had."

"He was above all else, a profoundly human guy whose presence in our city will be missed."

At a press conference earlier in the day on the attacks in Brussels, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mentioned that his thoughts were with Ford's family. He later took to Twitter to laud Ford's "courage" fighting his disease.

Rob Ford fought cancer with courage and determination. My condolences and best wishes to the Ford family today.